Above average?

The food was above average, I guess. Service was a bit disinterested/sloppy, despite the place being rather empty. We sat in the back patio, which seemed borderline dirty. I might go back, but will sit in the front room next time if I do. Would be a good place to have a solo lunch and get some reading done.

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100 out of 193 people found this review helpful.

South East Asian Gem

We discovered this quaint west-village gem after being turned down by neighboring Kingswood on a busy Saturday night. The humble exterior leads into an intimate, wooden-floor, small table setting. We sat in the charming hidden back patio, but hot summer night and lack of AC, made the heat and humidity almost unbearable.
The food, however, compensated for any discomfort! We ordered the daily special (striped bass with seasonal vegetables) and the NYmag-TONY-recommended green curry shrimp and vegetables cooked in clay pot. Both were phenomenal (although I wish there was more shrimp)! The green curry was spicy yet delicately sweet...perfect to pour atop some sticky rice. The fish was tender and fresh. We ordered a bottle of wine that was very affordable. If it weren't for the desert--an insipid, seemingly manufactured chocolate tart, we would have rated Cafe Asean's food score a point or two higher.
Overall, it was a great experience. We have been back since and will surely be back many more times.
*One thing to note, it's cash only.

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171 out of 306 people found this review helpful.

Shocked it's a Critic's Pick

I will definitely try in-house, but do not get delivery. Completely disappointing. Flavors were either too dominant or not enough. Hit or miss. One dumpling order (shrimp and chive) was good, another super-overwhelming (mushroom dumpling), and another just tasted like potato with a soggy fried wrapping. I wanted so badly to like this place.

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150 out of 298 people found this review helpful.

Favorite restaurant for out of town friends and guests!

We bring in friends here all the time for great SE Asian inspired Chinese style food and they are never disappointed. A wonderful and tasty switch from the typical Chinese grease offered in Chinatown.
Germans, Japanese, Californians, French: they've all been thrilled to eat there for a meal you really would be hard pressed to find outside of SE Asia.
Highly recommend the curry chicken with potato and also the Bee Hoon, Sinagpore thin noodles with Chinese sausage. They'll even make it vegetarian if you ask nicely!
Seriously, this is probably my favorite restaurant in the city. The chef here used to own the higher end super fabulous Jefferson Market that was next door so that gives you an idea of the quality and finesse you can expect.
And I promise, I don't work here. I just love the food!

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155 out of 291 people found this review helpful.

Great food, charming spot

There was a nice selection of interesting dishes. The dumplings and summer rolls were very good, and the crispy fish special was moist and tender. Our waiter was friendly, attentive, and helpful with recommendations. The decor is warm and inviting (although the wooden tables are a bit wobbly).

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218 out of 428 people found this review helpful.

Mixed feelings

The place offers a selection of South East Asian dishes. I particularly recommend the Singapore noodles. Quality can be variable - the shrimp count in the coconut curry shrimp varies dramatically. But at the price, I am inclined to forgive occasional trasngressions.
The service is willing, but can be a bit amateur.
Soem of the tables have problems. Those by the door are freezing in winger, as are those in the garden (despite heaters). There is a bench along the back wall - when your neighbor shifts position, so do you.
Overall - fine for everyday dining, but not a place to impress a date or business client.

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422 out of 785 people found this review helpful.